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Listen "#65 - Jeff Dekker: Turning a Silly Hobby into a Profitable Business"
Episode Synopsis
Jeff Dekker is a talented artist and owner of The Upper Dekker. Our conversation will delve into his journey of rediscovering his childhood, how he turned a seemingly silly hobby into a profitable side hustle, and the importance of being one's biggest cheerleader. Jeff's story is a testament to how early experiences and personal passions can shape a fulfilling career in the arts.
Jeff's childhood was marked by shyness, a love for sports, and a passion for drawing. His early entrepreneurial spirit led him to take on a paper route to fund his comic and card collections. Despite struggling academically, Jeff found his niche in art during junior high, which led to his parents enrolling him in Eastglen High School for its superior art program. A pivotal moment came when his art teacher secured him a scholarship to attend an animation course in Vancouver, setting the stage for Jeff's future in the art world.
Revisiting his childhood has profoundly influenced Jeff's art and creativity, especially through interactions with his 10-year-old son. These experiences rekindle his sense of wonder and infuse his work with a playful yet thoughtful quality. Jeff's art often reflects a child's perspective, which he creatively adapts to appeal to a broader audience. This reconnection with his youth helps him create works that are both whimsical and meaningful, resonating with viewers of all ages.
The journey from hobby to side hustle began unexpectedly for Jeff when he accepted an invitation to share a booth at a comic convention. Despite initial doubts and family skepticism, his first sale ignited a passion that drove him to pursue art more seriously. Jeff faced numerous challenges, including balancing a part-time job to appease his family's concerns about the "starving artist" stereotype. However, his dedication paid off, allowing him to eventually focus more on his art and less on traditional employment.
Jeff's supportive nature extends beyond his personal journey. He emphasizes the importance of being a cheerleader for others, drawing from his experiences of receiving encouragement at critical moments. By sharing advice and fostering connections, Jeff has helped fellow artists, like his friend Kyle, succeed in their endeavors. He believes that having someone to support and believe in you, even if initially it's just yourself, is crucial. This network of support can be cultivated through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, ultimately contributing to personal and professional growth.
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
Jeff's childhood was marked by shyness, a love for sports, and a passion for drawing. His early entrepreneurial spirit led him to take on a paper route to fund his comic and card collections. Despite struggling academically, Jeff found his niche in art during junior high, which led to his parents enrolling him in Eastglen High School for its superior art program. A pivotal moment came when his art teacher secured him a scholarship to attend an animation course in Vancouver, setting the stage for Jeff's future in the art world.
Revisiting his childhood has profoundly influenced Jeff's art and creativity, especially through interactions with his 10-year-old son. These experiences rekindle his sense of wonder and infuse his work with a playful yet thoughtful quality. Jeff's art often reflects a child's perspective, which he creatively adapts to appeal to a broader audience. This reconnection with his youth helps him create works that are both whimsical and meaningful, resonating with viewers of all ages.
The journey from hobby to side hustle began unexpectedly for Jeff when he accepted an invitation to share a booth at a comic convention. Despite initial doubts and family skepticism, his first sale ignited a passion that drove him to pursue art more seriously. Jeff faced numerous challenges, including balancing a part-time job to appease his family's concerns about the "starving artist" stereotype. However, his dedication paid off, allowing him to eventually focus more on his art and less on traditional employment.
Jeff's supportive nature extends beyond his personal journey. He emphasizes the importance of being a cheerleader for others, drawing from his experiences of receiving encouragement at critical moments. By sharing advice and fostering connections, Jeff has helped fellow artists, like his friend Kyle, succeed in their endeavors. He believes that having someone to support and believe in you, even if initially it's just yourself, is crucial. This network of support can be cultivated through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, ultimately contributing to personal and professional growth.
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
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